Journal of Clinical Medicine

Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 1090 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Codiagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Habitual Physical Exercise on the Psychological Status and Quality of Life of Patients with Fibromyalgia

by María Dolores Hinchado, Eduardo Otero, María del Carmen Navarro, Leticia Martín-Cordero, Isabel Gálvez and Eduardo Ortega

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(19), 5735; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11195735 - 28 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1927

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) are two diseases that are frequently codiagnosed and present many similarities, such as poor tolerance to physical exercise. Although exercise is recommended in their daily routine to improve quality of life, little is known about how [...] Read more.

Fibromyalgia (FM) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) are two diseases that are frequently codiagnosed and present many similarities, such as poor tolerance to physical exercise. Although exercise is recommended in their daily routine to improve quality of life, little is known about how CFS codiagnosis affects that. Using scientifically validated questionnaires, we evaluated the psychological state and quality of life of patients with FM (n = 70) and how habitual physical exercise (HPE) reported by patients with only FM (FM-only n = 38) or codiagnosed with CFS (FM + CFS, n = 32) influences those aspects. An age-matched reference group of “healthy” women without FM (RG, n = 70) was used. The FM-only group presented a worse psychological state and quality of life compared to RG, with no influence of CFS codiagnosis. The patients of the FM-only and FM + CFS groups who perform HPE presented better levels of stress and state anxiety, but with no differences between them. Depression and trait anxiety improved only in women with just FM. CFS codiagnosis does not worsen the psychological and quality of life impairment of FM patients and does not have a great influence on the positive effect of HPE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in the Diagnosis, Prediction, Prevention, and Management of Fibromyalgia)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 14420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fatigue in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Gene-Physical Activity Interaction Study

by Fernando Estévez-López, Diego F. Salazar-Tortosa, Daniel Camiletti-Moirón, Blanca Gavilán-Carrera, Virginia A. Aparicio, Pedro Acosta-Manzano, Víctor Segura-Jiménez, Inmaculada C. Álvarez-Gallardo, Ana Carbonell-Baeza, Diego Munguía-Izquierdo, Rinie Geenen, Eliana Lacerda, Manuel Delgado-Fernández, Luis J. Martínez-González, Jonatan R. Ruiz and María J. Álvarez-Cubero

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(9), 1902; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10091902 - 28 Apr 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3096

Abstract

Fatigue is a cardinal symptom in fibromyalgia. Fatigue is assumed to be the result of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. We aimed at examining the role of genetic susceptibility for fatigue in southern Spanish women with fibromyalgia, by looking at single nucleotide polymorphisms [...] Read more.

Fatigue is a cardinal symptom in fibromyalgia. Fatigue is assumed to be the result of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. We aimed at examining the role of genetic susceptibility for fatigue in southern Spanish women with fibromyalgia, by looking at single nucleotide polymorphisms in 34 fibromyalgia candidate-genes, at the interactions between genes, and at the gene-physical activity interactions. We extracted DNA from saliva of 276 fibromyalgia women to analyze gene-polymorphisms. Accelerometers registered physical activity and sedentary behavior. Fatigue was assessed with the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory. Based on the Bonferroni’s and False Discovery Rate values, we found that the genotype of the rs4453709 polymorphism (sodium channel protein type 9 subunit alpha, SCN9A, gene) was related to reduced motivation (AT carriers showed the highest reduced motivation) and reduced activity (AA carriers showed the lowest reduced activity). Carriers of the heterozygous genotype of the rs1801133 (methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase, MTHFR, gene) or rs4597545 (SCN9A gene) polymorphisms who were physically active reported lower scores on fatigue compared to their inactive counterparts. Highly sedentary carriers of the homozygous genotype of the rs7607967 polymorphism (AA/GG genotype; SCN9A gene) presented more reduced activity (a dimension of fatigue) than those with lower levels of sedentary behavior. Collectively, findings from the present study suggest that the contribution of genetics and gene-physical activity interaction to fatigue in fibromyalgia is modest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in the Diagnosis, Prediction, Prevention, and Management of Fibromyalgia)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 417 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modifiable Psychological Factors Affecting Functioning in Fibromyalgia

by Myrella Paschali, Asimina Lazaridou, Theodoros Paschalis, Vitaly Napadow and Robert R. Edwards

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(4), 803; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10040803 - 17 Feb 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3066

Abstract

Objective: To examine the role of several interrelated, potentially modifiable psychological factors (i.e., mindfulness and catastrophizing) in influencing patient-reported functioning. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 107 patients with fibromyalgia completed self-report assessments of pain severity, functioning and impact of symptoms, mindfulness, and pain [...] Read more.

Objective: To examine the role of several interrelated, potentially modifiable psychological factors (i.e., mindfulness and catastrophizing) in influencing patient-reported functioning. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 107 patients with fibromyalgia completed self-report assessments of pain severity, functioning and impact of symptoms, mindfulness, and pain catastrophizing. Linear regression and bootstrapping mediation analyses were performed to assess the relationships between these factors. Results: Pain intensity was significantly and positively associated with pain catastrophizing and impact of fibromyalgia on functioning. Linear regression analyses indicated that pain intensity, catastrophizing, and mindfulness affect functioning in fibromyalgia. Follow-up mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect effect of pain catastrophizing on the relationship between pain intensity and fibromyalgia functioning. Conclusion: Individuals with fibromyalgia who have higher levels of pain and catastrophizing, and lower levels of mindfulness, are more likely to experience impaired functioning. Our findings suggest that pain catastrophizing appears to be an especially important variable contributing to reduced functioning in women with fibromyalgia. Therefore, catastrophizing-reducing treatments (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy) are likely to have direct, beneficial impacts on functioning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in the Diagnosis, Prediction, Prevention, and Management of Fibromyalgia)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploration of Functional Connectivity Changes Previously Reported in Fibromyalgia and Their Relation to Psychological Distress and Pain Measures

by Helene van Ettinger-Veenstra, Rebecca Boehme, Bijar Ghafouri, Håkan Olausson, Rikard K. Wicksell and Björn Gerdle

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(11), 3560; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9113560 - 5 Nov 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3411

Abstract

Neural functional connectivity changes in the default mode network (DMN), Central executive network (CEN), and insula have been implicated in fibromyalgia (FM) but stem from a sparse set of small-scale studies with limited power for the investigation of confounding effects. We investigated whether [...] Read more.

Neural functional connectivity changes in the default mode network (DMN), Central executive network (CEN), and insula have been implicated in fibromyalgia (FM) but stem from a sparse set of small-scale studies with limited power for the investigation of confounding effects. We investigated whether anxiety, depression, pain sensitivity, and pain intensity modulated functional connectivity related to DMN nodes, CEN nodes, and insula. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from 31 females with FM and 28 age-matched healthy controls. Connectivity was analysed with a region-based connectivity analysis between DMN nodes in ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and posterior cingulate cortex, CEN nodes in the intraparietal sulcus (IPS), and bilateral insula. FM patients displayed significantly higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms than controls. The right IPS node of the CEN showed a higher level of connectivity strength with right insula in FM with higher pain intensity compared to controls. More anxiety symptoms in FM correlated with higher levels of connectivity strength between the vmPFC DMN node and right sensorimotor cortex. These findings support the theory of altered insular connectivity in FM and also suggest altered IPS connectivity in FM. Interestingly, no change in insular connectivity with DMN was observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in the Diagnosis, Prediction, Prevention, and Management of Fibromyalgia)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 694 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evidence of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Fibromyalgia: Deviating Muscle Energy Metabolism Detected Using Microdialysis and Magnetic Resonance

by Björn Gerdle, Bijar Ghafouri, Eva Lund, Ann Bengtsson, Peter Lundberg, Helene van Ettinger-Veenstra, Olof Dahlqvist Leinhard and Mikael Fredrik Forsgren

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(11), 3527; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9113527 - 31 Oct 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5837

Abstract

In fibromyalgia (FM) muscle metabolism, studies are sparse and conflicting associations have been found between muscle metabolism and pain aspects. This study compared alterations in metabolic substances and blood flow in erector spinae and trapezius of FM patients and healthy controls. FM patients [...] Read more.

In fibromyalgia (FM) muscle metabolism, studies are sparse and conflicting associations have been found between muscle metabolism and pain aspects. This study compared alterations in metabolic substances and blood flow in erector spinae and trapezius of FM patients and healthy controls. FM patients (n = 33) and healthy controls (n = 31) underwent a clinical examination that included pressure pain thresholds and physical tests, completion of a health questionnaire, participation in microdialysis investigations of the etrapezius and erector spinae muscles, and also underwent phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the erector spinae muscle. At the baseline, FM had significantly higher levels of pyruvate in both muscles. Significantly lower concentrations of phosphocreatine (PCr) and nucleotide triphosphate (mainly adenosine triphosphate) in erector spinae were found in FM. Blood flow in erector spinae was significantly lower in FM. Significant associations between metabolic variables and pain aspects (pain intensity and pressure pain threshold PPT) were found in FM. Our results suggest that FM has mitochondrial dysfunction, although it is unclear whether inactivity, obesity, aging, and pain are causes of, the results of, or coincidental to the mitochondrial dysfunction. The significant regressions of pain intensity and PPT in FM agree with other studies reporting associations between peripheral biological factors and pain aspects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in the Diagnosis, Prediction, Prevention, and Management of Fibromyalgia)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1002 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of COMT Genotypes on Working Memory Performance in Fibromyalgia Patients

by David Ferrera, Francisco Gómez-Esquer, Irene Peláez, Paloma Barjola, Roberto Fernandes-Magalhaes, Alberto Carpio, María E. De Lahoz, Gema Díaz-Gil and Francisco Mercado

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(8), 2479; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9082479 - 1 Aug 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4884

Abstract

Growing research has reported the presence of a clear impairment of working memory functioning in fibromyalgia. Although different genetic factors involving dopamine availability (i.e, the COMT gene) have been associated with the more severe presentation of key symptoms in fibromyalgia, scientific evidence regarding [...] Read more.

Growing research has reported the presence of a clear impairment of working memory functioning in fibromyalgia. Although different genetic factors involving dopamine availability (i.e, the COMT gene) have been associated with the more severe presentation of key symptoms in fibromyalgia, scientific evidence regarding the influence of COMT genotypes on cognitive impairment in these patients is still lacking. To this end, 167 participants took part in the present investigation. Working memory performance was assessed by the application of the SST (Spatial Span Test) and LNST (Letter and Number Sequence Test) belonging to the Weschler Memory Scale III. Significant working memory impairment was shown by the fibromyalgia patients. Remarkably, our results suggest that performance according to different working memory measures might be influenced by different genotypes of the COMT gene. Specifically, fibromyalgia patients carrying the Val/Val genotype exhibited significantly worse outcomes for the span of SST backward, SST backward score, SST total score and the Working Memory Index (WMI) than the Val/Val healthy carriers. Furthermore, the Val/Val patients performed worse on the SST backward and SST score than heterozygotes. Our findings are the first to show a link between the COMT gene and working memory dysfunction in fibromyalgia, supporting the idea that higher COMT enzyme activity would contribute to more severe working memory impairment in fibromyalgia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in the Diagnosis, Prediction, Prevention, and Management of Fibromyalgia)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 693 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reliability, Factor Structure and Predictive Validity of the Widespread Pain Index and Symptom Severity Scales of the 2010 American College of Rheumatology Criteria of Fibromyalgia

by Carmen M. Galvez-Sánchez, Pablo de la Coba, Stefan Duschek and Gustavo A. Reyes del Paso

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(8), 2460; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9082460 - 31 Jul 2020

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 4459

Abstract

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic condition of widespread pain. In 2010, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) proposed new diagnostic criteria for FMS based on two scales: the Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and Symptoms Severity (SS) scale. This study evaluated the reliability, [...] Read more.

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic condition of widespread pain. In 2010, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) proposed new diagnostic criteria for FMS based on two scales: the Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and Symptoms Severity (SS) scale. This study evaluated the reliability, factor structure and predictive validity of WPI and SS. In total, 102 women with FMS and 68 women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) completed the WPI, SS, McGill Pain Questionnaire, Trait Anxiety Inventory, Fatigue Severity Scale, Oviedo Quality of Sleep Questionnaire, and Beck Depression Inventory. Pain threshold and tolerance and a measure of central sensitization to pain were obtained by pressure algometry. Values on WPI and SS showed negative-skewed frequency distributions in FMS patients, with most of the observations concentrated at the upper end of the scale. Factor analysis did not reveal single-factor models for either scale; instead, the WPI was composed of nine pain-localization factors and the SS of four factors. The Cronbach’s α (i.e., Internal consistency) was 0.34 for the WPI,0.83 for the SS and 0.82 for the combination of WPI and SS. Scores on both scales correlated positively with measures of clinical pain, fatigue, insomnia, depression, and anxiety but were unrelated to pain threshold and tolerance or central pain sensitization. The 2010 ACR criteria showed 100% sensitivity and 81% specificity in the discrimination between FMS and RA patients, where discrimination was better for WPI than SS. In conclusion, despite their limited reliability, both scales allow for highly accurate identification and differentiation of FMS patients. The inclusion of more painful areas in the WPI and of additional symptoms in the SS may reduce ceiling effects and improve the discrimination between patients differing in disease severity. In addition, the use of higher cut-off values on both scales may increase the diagnostic specificity in Spanish samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in the Diagnosis, Prediction, Prevention, and Management of Fibromyalgia)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 519 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of 24-Week Exergame Intervention on the Gray Matter Volume of Different Brain Structures in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

by Juan Luis Leon-Llamas, Santos Villafaina, Alvaro Murillo-Garcia, Francisco Javier Dominguez-Muñoz and Narcis Gusi

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(8), 2436; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9082436 - 30 Jul 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2951

Abstract

Background: Exergame-induced changes in the volume of brain gray matter have not been studied in fibromyalgia (FM). This study evaluates the effects of a 24-week exergame-based intervention on the gray matter volume of different brain structures in patients with FM through magnetic resonance [...] Read more.

Background: Exergame-induced changes in the volume of brain gray matter have not been studied in fibromyalgia (FM). This study evaluates the effects of a 24-week exergame-based intervention on the gray matter volume of different brain structures in patients with FM through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: A total of 25 FM patients completed 24 weeks of intervention program, and another 25 FM patients did not receive any intervention. T1-weighted MRI was used to assess brain volume, and FreeSurfer software was used to segment the brain regions. Results: No significant effects on gray matter volume of different structures and total gray matter were found. Conclusions: FM patients did not show significant changes in gray matter brain volume between the control and experimental groups after 24 weeks. FM patients showed significant relationships between peak oxygen consumption (pVO2) and the left and right regions of the hippocampus and the left and right regions of the amygdala. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in the Diagnosis, Prediction, Prevention, and Management of Fibromyalgia)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 625 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Automated Nociceptive Withdrawal Reflex Measurements Reveal Normal Reflex Thresholds and Augmented Pain Ratings in Patients with Fibromyalgia

by Johannes Ydrefors, Tomas Karlsson, Ulrika Wentzel Olausson, Bijar Ghafouri, Ann-Charlotte Johansson, Håkan Olausson, Björn Gerdle and Saad S. Nagi

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(6), 1992; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9061992 - 25 Jun 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3431

Abstract

The nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) is used to probe spinal cord excitability in chronic pain states. Here, we used an automated and unbiased procedure for determining the NWR threshold and compared the reflex thresholds and corresponding pain ratings in a well-characterized cohort of [...] Read more.

The nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) is used to probe spinal cord excitability in chronic pain states. Here, we used an automated and unbiased procedure for determining the NWR threshold and compared the reflex thresholds and corresponding pain ratings in a well-characterized cohort of fibromyalgia (n = 29) and matched healthy controls (n = 21). Surface electrical stimuli were delivered to the foot in a stepwise incremental and decremental manner. The surface electromyographic activity was recorded from the ipsilateral tibialis anterior muscle. Fibromyalgia patients reported significantly higher scores for psychological distress and pain-related disability and a significantly lower score for perceived state of health compared to the matched controls. The subjective pain ratings were significantly higher in patients. The NWR thresholds were similar to the controls. In the patients, but not in controls, the NWR thresholds and subjective pain ratings were significantly correlated. Our results showed an increased subjective pain sensitivity in fibromyalgia, but we found no evidence for spinal sensitization based on the reflex measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in the Diagnosis, Prediction, Prevention, and Management of Fibromyalgia)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 807 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations of Cognitive Fusion and Pain Catastrophizing with Fibromyalgia Impact through Fatigue, Pain Severity, and Depression: An Exploratory Study Using Structural Equation Modeling

by Carmen Écija, Octavio Luque-Reca, Carlos Suso-Ribera, Patricia Catala and Cecilia Peñacoba

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(6), 1763; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9061763 - 6 Jun 2020

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 3823

Abstract

Differences in fibromyalgia impact on functioning exist and appear to be influenced by numerous factors, including symptomatology severity, as well as the cognitive profile of the individual. The contribution of these elements, however, tends to be explored in a fragmented manner. To address [...] Read more.

Differences in fibromyalgia impact on functioning exist and appear to be influenced by numerous factors, including symptomatology severity, as well as the cognitive profile of the individual. The contribution of these elements, however, tends to be explored in a fragmented manner. To address this issue, we tested a comprehensive structural equation model in which associations of cognitive fusion and pain catastrophizing with function limitations are investigated through fibromyalgia symptomatology (i.e., fatigue, pain severity, and depression) in 231 women with fibromyalgia. In the model, cognitive fusion and two catastrophizing components (magnification and helplessness) were associated with poorer functioning indirectly through fibromyalgia symptomatology. Only the rumination component of catastrophizing had a direct association with functional limitations. All fibromyalgia symptoms were linked to increased functional limitations. A parsimonious model with significant associations only obtained an excellent fit (S-B χ² = 774.191, df = 543, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.943; RMSEA = 0.043; CAIC = −2724.04) and accounted for 50% of the variance of functional limitations. These results suggest that the relationship between psychological cognitive processes, fibromyalgia symptomatology, and functional limitations is complex and support the need for comprehensive models such as the present. The findings are discussed in the context of personalized psychological treatments (i.e., the need to address certain cognitive processes according to the problematic symptomatology or outcome). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in the Diagnosis, Prediction, Prevention, and Management of Fibromyalgia)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 657 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cost-Utility of Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy (ABCT) for Fibromyalgia Compared to Relaxation: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

by Francesco D’Amico, Albert Feliu-Soler, Jesús Montero-Marín, María T. Peñarrubía-María, Mayte Navarro-Gil, William Van Gordon, Javier García-Campayo and Juan V. Luciano

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(3), 726; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9030726 - 7 Mar 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4447

Abstract

A recent study has supported the efficacy of Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy (ABCT) compared to relaxation (REL) for the management of fibromyalgia (FM). The main objective of this paper is to examine the cost-utility of ABCT compared to REL in terms of effects on [...] Read more.

A recent study has supported the efficacy of Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy (ABCT) compared to relaxation (REL) for the management of fibromyalgia (FM). The main objective of this paper is to examine the cost-utility of ABCT compared to REL in terms of effects on quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) as well as healthcare costs. Forty-two Spanish patients with FM received 8 weekly group sessions of ABCT or REL. Data collection took place at pre- and 3-month follow-up. Cost-utility of the two treatment groups (ABCT vs. REL) was compared by examining treatment outcomes in terms of QALYs (obtained with the EQ-5D-3L) and healthcare costs (data about service use obtained with the Client Service Receipt Inventory). Data analyses were computed from a completers, ITT, and per protocol approach. Data analysis from the healthcare perspective revealed that those patients receiving ABCT exhibited larger improvements in quality of life than those doing relaxation, while being less costly 3 months after their 8-week treatment program had ended (completers: incremental cost M, 95% CI = €−194.1 (−450.3 to 356.1); incremental effect M, 95% CI = 0.023 QALYs (0.010 to 0.141)). Results were similar using an ITT approach (incremental cost M, 95% CI = €−256.3 (−447.4 to −65.3); incremental effect M, 95% CI = 0.021 QALYs (0.009 to 0.033)). A similar pattern of results were obtained from the per protocol approach. This RCT has contributed to the evidence base of compassion-based interventions and provided useful information about the cost-utility of ABCT for FM patients when compared to relaxation. However, the small sample size and short follow-up period limited the generalizability of the findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in the Diagnosis, Prediction, Prevention, and Management of Fibromyalgia)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

18 pages, 962 KiB

Open AccessReview

Food Implications in Central Sensitization Syndromes

by Elena Aguilar-Aguilar, Helena Marcos-Pasero, Maria P. Ikonomopoulou and Viviana Loria-Kohen

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(12), 4106; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9124106 - 19 Dec 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5085

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) are some of the central sensitization syndromes (CSSs). The complexity of their diagnosis, the high interindividual heterogeneity and the existence of multi-syndromic patients requires a multifaceted treatment. The scientific literature is contradictory [...] Read more.

Fibromyalgia (FM), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) are some of the central sensitization syndromes (CSSs). The complexity of their diagnosis, the high interindividual heterogeneity and the existence of multi-syndromic patients requires a multifaceted treatment. The scientific literature is contradictory regarding the role of food in CSS, and evidence on the role of nutrition in MCS is particularly scarce. This review consists in gathering information about the current status of dietary recommendations (i.e., special dietary interventions, the role of additives, presence of micronutrient deficiencies, nutritional supplements and elimination of other nutrients and substances) and discussing the scientific evidence in depth to shed light on appropriate nutritional treatment managements for CSS patients. Current indications show that dietary modifications may vastly improve the patients’ quality of life at a low cost. We suggest personalized treatment, taking into consideration the severity of the disease symptoms, quality of life, coexistence with other diseases, pharmacological treatment, changing clinical characteristics, nutritional status, energy requirements and food tolerances, among others, as the best ways to tailor specific dietary interventions. These approaches will partially overcome the lack of scientific and clinical research on MSC. Patients should also be advised on the serious consequences of following dietary guidelines without a dietitian’s and clinician’s supervision. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in the Diagnosis, Prediction, Prevention, and Management of Fibromyalgia)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 617 KiB

Open AccessReview

Poor Sleep Quality Experience and Self-Management Strategies in Fibromyalgia: A Qualitative Metasynthesis

by Carolina Climent-Sanz, Genís Morera-Amenós, Filip Bellon, Roland Pastells-Peiró, Joan Blanco-Blanco, Fran Valenzuela-Pascual and Montserrat Gea-Sánchez

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(12), 4000; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9124000 - 10 Dec 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4599

Abstract

Poor sleep quality is a major concern and a highly prevalent symptom in fibromyalgia. We aimed to develop a metasynthesis of qualitative studies to assess how people diagnosed with fibromyalgia experience and manage poor sleep quality following the concepts of the Symptom Management [...] Read more.

Poor sleep quality is a major concern and a highly prevalent symptom in fibromyalgia. We aimed to develop a metasynthesis of qualitative studies to assess how people diagnosed with fibromyalgia experience and manage poor sleep quality following the concepts of the Symptom Management Theory. The principles of metasynthesis established by Sandelowski and Barroso were utilized. A pre-planned comprehensive search was implemented in PubMed, Scopus, ISI WebofScience, and Cinahl Plus databases. The methodological quality was assessed following the CASP Qualitative Checklist. The findings of the studies were subjected to a metasummary and a metasynthesis. Seventeen studies were included in the metasynthesis. Two overarching themes were pre-established: (1) experience of poor sleep quality in Fibromyalgia and (2) poor sleep quality management strategies in Fibromyalgia. Four sub-themes emerged from the results: (1) evaluation of poor sleep quality, (2) response to poor sleep quality, (3) management strategies to favor sleep, and (4) managing the consequences of a sleepless night. Poor sleep quality is a severe and disabling symptom that negatively impacts the general health status of people diagnosed with FM. Prescribed treatments are commonly seen as ineffective and self-management strategies are a last resort and do not show beneficial effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in the Diagnosis, Prediction, Prevention, and Management of Fibromyalgia)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1158 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effectiveness of Active Therapy-Based Training to Improve the Balance in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

by María Del-Moral-García, Esteban Obrero-Gaitán, Daniel Rodríguez-Almagro, Manuel Rodríguez-Huguet, María Catalina Osuna-Pérez and Rafael Lomas-Vega

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(11), 3771; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9113771 - 22 Nov 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3334

Abstract

Balance impairment is a frequent disorder in patients with fibromyalgia (FMS), increasing the risk of falls and decreasing physical function and quality of life. In recent years, the use of active therapy-based training (ATBT) has increased, with the aim of improving balance in [...] Read more.

Balance impairment is a frequent disorder in patients with fibromyalgia (FMS), increasing the risk of falls and decreasing physical function and quality of life. In recent years, the use of active therapy-based training (ATBT) has increased, with the aim of improving balance in women with FMS. Our study aimed to assess the effect of ATBT to improve different balance outcomes in subjects with FMS. A systematic review with meta-analysis was carried out. We searched PubMed Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) databases up to September 2020. We included randomized controlled trials (RCT) that assessed the balance in patients with FMS after ATBT and compared to other treatments or no intervention. In a random-effects model, the standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to calculate the effect size. Ten studies were included in the review providing data from 546 FMS patients with a mean age of 52.41 ± 2.90 years old (98% females). Our results showed a medium effect favors ATBT with respect to other therapies for monopedal static balance (SMD = 0.571; 95% CI = 0.305, 0.836; p < 0.001), dynamic balance (SMD = 0.618; 95% CI = 0.348, 0.888; p < 0.001), and functional balance (SMD = 0.409; 95% CI = 0.044, 0.774; p = 0.028). No statistically significant differences were found for balance on unstable support. The present meta-analysis showed moderate-quality evidence of a medium effect of ATBT to improve dynamic and functional balance and low-quality evidence of a medium effect to improve monopedal static balance with respect to other therapies or no intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in the Diagnosis, Prediction, Prevention, and Management of Fibromyalgia)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2113 KiB

Open AccessReview

Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia: Critical Review and Future Perspectives

by Carmen M. Galvez-Sánchez and Gustavo A. Reyes del Paso

J. Clin. Med. 2020, 9(4), 1219; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9041219 - 23 Apr 2020

Cited by 126 | Viewed by 25373

Abstract

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic illness characterized by widespread pain and other clinical and emotional symptoms. The lack of objective markers of the illness has been a persistent problem in FMS research, clinical management, and social recognition of the disease. A critical [...] Read more.

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic illness characterized by widespread pain and other clinical and emotional symptoms. The lack of objective markers of the illness has been a persistent problem in FMS research, clinical management, and social recognition of the disease. A critical historical revision of diagnostic criteria for FMS, especially those formulated by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), was performed. This narrative review has been structured as follows: Introduction; historical background of FMS, including studies proposing and revising the diagnostic criteria; the process of development of the ACR FMS diagnostic criteria (1990 and 2010 versions); revisions of the 2010 ACR FMS diagnostic criteria; the development of scales based on the 2010 and 2011 criteria, which could help with diagnosis and evaluation of the clinical severity of the disease, such as the Polysymptomatic Distress Scale and the FMS Survey Questionnaire; relationships of prevalence and sex ratio with the different diagnostic criteria; validity and diagnostic accuracy of the ACR FMS criteria; the issues of differential diagnosis and comorbidity; the strength and main limitations of the ACR FMS criteria; new perspectives regarding FMS diagnosis; and the impact of the novel findings in the diagnosis of FMS. It is concluded that despite the official 2010 FMS diagnostic criteria and the diagnostic proposal of 2011 and 2016, complaints from health professionals and patients continue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers in the Diagnosis, Prediction, Prevention, and Management of Fibromyalgia)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

New Frontiers in the Diagnosis, Prediction, Prevention, and Management of Fibromyalgia

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (15 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI